Dividing Wall Element

ABSTRACT

A partition element has at least one partition body and a frame construction for accommodating and holding the at least one partition body. The partition body has a first outer panel in the form of a microperforated sheet, a first fleece, a sound absorption device and a second outer panel, which are arranged behind or adjoining one another in that order in the direction of thickness of the partition body. The sound absorption device has at least one sound absorption element having a certain dimension in the direction of thickness of the partition body, and at least one cavity or space having a certain dimension in the direction of thickness of the partition body.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a partition element, in particular a partition element as a visual screen for subdividing spaces such as open-plan offices, for example.

2. Prior Art

Such partition elements are generally known and usually comprise at least one partition body and a frame construction for accommodating and holding the at least one partition body. A number of partition elements can be combined with or connected to one another in order, for example, to divide off smaller workspaces in open-plan offices. In this respect, there are not only autonomous or mobile partition elements having their own, preferably movable, stand device but also fixed partition elements which can be mounted on other furniture items such as desks and chests of drawers.

In order to be able to ensure that the individual workers in open-plan offices, for example, have a working environment which is as disruption-free as possible, there is also an increasing need to reduce noise-induced disturbances in addition to providing the visual screening function offered by the conventional partitions.

DE 202 16 162 U1 has therefore proposed a partition element in which the partition body is composed of at least one panel which is substantially made of a sound-absorbing material. In one specific embodiment, the partition body of this known partition element comprises two outer panels, made of soft wood fiber, paperboard or the like, and an inner panel between the two outer panels which is produced from corrugated paperboard in such a way that the corrugated paperboard is folded up a number of times on itself in the direction of the length of the partition body.

Furthermore, DE 25 18 955 A1 discloses a partition element comprising two outer shells and a multilayer mat between the two outer shells. In this arrangement, the mat is composed of an air-impermeable and flexible material layer and at least one sound-absorbing material layer. The sound-absorbing material layer is preferably made of a material having a high capacity to absorb sound over a wide range of frequencies, such as, for example, mineral fiber wool or loose felts made up of metal, plastic or inorganic fibers.

DE 26 50 886 C2 describes a sound-absorbing panel which comprises a pair of facing skins consisting of a thin perforated metal sheet and a core in the form of a honeycomb grid based on the principle of a Helmholtz resonator. In addition, the two facing skins are covered with a layer of a porous, sound-absorbing material.

DE 20 2007 007 930 U1 discloses a ceiling or wall element in the form of a lightweight wooden panel which is substantially composed of a relatively thin, self-supporting facing layer (for example aluminum or steel sheet) and a reinforcing layer of consolidated expanded glass granules, ceramic foam or a similarly rigid material. An acoustic fleece can additionally be provided between the facing layer and the reinforcing layer.

Furthermore, DE 34 02 967 A1 discloses a wall element comprising a frame construction and a wall body, wherein the wall body comprises a first perforated panel, a first fleece, a sound-absorbing layer of felt mats which is held in a frame, a second fleece and a second perforated panel, which are arranged in this order in the direction of thickness of the wall body. In variants of this wall element, it is proposed to provide two sound-absorbing layers having a sound transmission barrier in between or, in addition to the one sound-absorbing layer, a sound-reflecting panel. Even if the sound-absorbing layer of this wall body itself is formed from a material having cavities, apart from this layer no further cavity is provided in the direction of thickness of the wall body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object on which the present invention is based is to provide a partition element having good sound-absorbing properties and a simple structure.

This object is achieved by a partition element which has at least one partition body and a frame construction for accommodating and holding the at least one partition body. The partition body has a first outer panel in the form of a microperforated sheet, a first fleece, a sound absorption device and a second outer panel, which are arranged behind one another in this order in the direction of thickness of the partition body. The sound absorption device in turn comprises at least one sound absorption element having a certain dimension in the direction of thickness of the partition body, and at least one cavity having a certain dimension in the direction of thickness of the partition body.

The first outer panel of the partition body in the form of a microperforated sheet offers an attractive design for the partition element and at the same time allows sound waves to penetrate into the interior of the partition body. There, the sound waves of lower frequency (for example in the range of approximately 500 Hz) are absorbed within the sound absorption device and the sound waves of higher frequency (for example in the range from approximately 1000 to 2000 Hz) are absorbed between the two outer panels. The partition element constructed according to the invention thus has both positive sound absorption properties and positive design properties combined with a simple structure made up of few components and is advantageously suitable for subdividing open-plan offices, for example.

The sound absorption device of the partition element according to the invention comprises at least one sound absorption element having a certain dimension in the direction of thickness of the partition body and at least one cavity—constituting a component which is separate from the at least one sound absorption element—having a certain dimension in the direction of thickness of the partition body. Even if the additional cavity means that a smaller material thickness has to be selected for the sound absorption element in the direction of thickness of the partition body and this has a negative effect on the absorption of low-frequency sound waves, it has been found, surprisingly, that the provision of the two components constituted by the sound absorption element and cavity in the partition element structure defined according to the invention leads overall to very good sound absorption properties of the partition element, in particular of a partition element for subdividing open-plan offices and the like.

In one embodiment of the invention, the sound absorption device of the partition body comprises two sound absorption elements which are spaced apart in the direction of thickness of the partition body to form the at least one cavity. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the sound absorption device comprises a sound absorption element which is spaced apart from the second outer panel in the direction of thickness of the partition body to form the at least one cavity.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one cavity can be formed by means of at least one spacer element. This spacer element is configured in the manner of a frame, for example.

In yet a further embodiment of the invention, at least one bulkhead element can be introduced into the at least one cavity for the purpose of reducing the penetration of sound through the sound absorption device. This at least one bulkhead element is selected for example from a substantially flat bulkhead element, a corrugated bulkhead element and an angled bulkhead element.

Preferably, the sound absorption device has a substantially symmetrical structure in the direction of thickness of the partition body, with the result that the partition element has substantially the same acoustic properties from both sides.

In a preferred embodiment, the first fleece can be adhesively bonded to the first outer panel, for example by a hotmelt process.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the second outer panel can likewise take the form of a microperforated sheet and a second fleece can be arranged between the sound absorption device and the second outer panel of the partition body, this second fleece preferably being adhesively bonded to the second outer panel, for example by a hotmelt process. With this structure, the sound absorption properties of the partition element are obtained equally on both sides.

The material of the at least one sound absorption element of the sound absorption device of the partition body according to the invention can be selected for example from mineral foam, mineral fibers, nonwoven fabric, cardboard, foam and felt. For example, the sound absorption element is a cartonboard having a honeycomb grid structure or a corrugated shape, wherein the cavities of the cartonboard are interconnected, or the material of the sound absorption element is a melamine resin foam or a polyester wadding.

In yet a further embodiment of the invention, the partition element further comprises a stand device with or without castors in order to form a mobile partition element which can be erected autonomously.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the partition element further comprises a fastening device for mounting the partition element on a furniture item such as, for example, a desk, a chest of drawers or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the above features and of further features, advantages and possible applications of the invention will be gained from the description given below of preferred, nonlimiting exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a partition element according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of partition elements according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a partial sectional view of a partition body of the partition element of FIG. 1 or 2 taken on section line III-III in FIG. 1 to illustrate the basic structure of the partition body;

FIG. 4 shows a detail perspective view of an outer panel of the partition body represented in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a partial sectional view of a partition body according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention analogous to the representation of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 shows a partial sectional view of a partition body according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention analogous to the representation of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 shows a partial sectional view of a partition body according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention analogous to the representation of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 shows a partial sectional view of a partition body according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention analogous to the representation of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 9 shows a partial sectional view of a partition body according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention analogous to the representation of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows by way of a first exemplary embodiment a mobile partition element which can be used to subdivide open-plan offices, for example, in a variable manner. The partition element 10 substantially comprises a preferably rigid frame construction 12-16, at least one partition body 18 and a stand device 20. The frame construction 12-16 has two vertical clamping rails 12 between which the partition body 18 is held substantially vertically. The partition body 18 is preferably covered at its top and bottom by an upper cover profile 14 and a lower cover profile 16, respectively.

In the embodiment represented in FIG. 1, the stand device 20 comprises two stand feet which are fixedly connected to the frame construction 12-16. However, the present invention is not restricted to the stand device shown here. For example, it is also possible for only one stand foot or for more than two stand feet to be provided instead of the two stand feet in FIG. 1; instead of being arranged at the outer edges of the frame construction 12-16, the stand feet can be offset inwardly; and/or the stand foot or the stand feet can be fitted with castors so that the partition element 10 can be displaced more easily and its mobility can thus be increased.

In the exemplary embodiment represented in FIG. 1, a partition body 18 is accommodated and held in the frame construction 12-16. Alternatively, it is also possible to accommodate in the frame construction 12-16 two or more partition bodies 18 which abut one another.

The structure of the partition body 18 of the partition element 10 according to the invention will be described further below in more detail.

With reference to FIG. 2, a second exemplary embodiment of a partition element of the invention will be explained.

As is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 2, a workspace arrangement comprises a desk 22 and two partition elements 10. The desk 22 substantially has a desktop 24 and two stand legs 26 which differ in this exemplary embodiment. Depending on the particular embodiment, the desk 22 is additionally provided with a desk surround in the vicinity of the peripheral edges of the desktop 24 or with a framework serving to carry the desktop 24 and to which the various stand legs 26 can also be fastened.

The two partition elements 10 are each fundamentally constructed in the same way as the partition element 10 explained above with reference to FIG. 1. Identical components are therefore provided with the same reference numbers as in the above first exemplary embodiment and do not need to be described again. However, arrangements with only one partition element 10 or more than two partition elements 10 are also possible, of course.

The partition elements 10 in FIG. 2 differ from the partition element 10 of the first exemplary embodiment in that they do not have their own stand device 20 but can be mounted on the rear edge of the desk 22, for example directly on the desktop 24 or on a desk surround or a frame construction, by means of suitable fastening elements (not shown) which can be fixed, for example, to the vertical clamping rails 12, preferably at any desired height.

These partition elements are thus not autonomous, mobile partition elements 10 as in the first exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 but fixed, individual components. Of course, the partition elements 10 of FIG. 2 can also be mounted on furniture items other than a desk 22, for example also on chests of drawers and the like.

As indicated in FIG. 2, further components such as, for example, shelves 28, storage elements, electric rails and the like can optionally be fitted on the partition element 10, in particular on its vertical clamping rails 12. The same also applies analogously of course to the mobile partition element 10 represented in FIG. 1.

A description of the basic structure of the partition body 18 of a partition element 10 according to the invention of FIG. 1 or 2 will first now follow with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

As represented in the sectional view of FIG. 3, the partition body 18 is preferably formed at its vertical outer edges (left-hand side in FIG. 3) with an outer profile which substantially corresponds to the complementary profile of the vertical clamping rails 12 such that the partition body 18 can be fixedly connected to the vertical clamping rails 12 of the frame construction 12-16.

In order to achieve the soundproofing function in addition to the usually intended visual screening function, the partition body 18 of the partition element 10 according to the invention is constructed of a number of layers 30 to 38 as follows. Between a first outer panel 30 and a second outer panel 32 is arranged a sound absorption device 38. The first outer panel 30 is designed as a microperforated sheet on whose inner side is adhesively bonded a first fleece 34, for example using a hotmelt process. Preferably, although not necessarily, the second outer panel 32 also takes the form of a microperforated sheet on whose inner side is adhesively bonded a second fleece 36, for example using a hotmelt process. Alternatively, as in the case of conventional partition elements, the second outer panel 32 is simply formed from a wooden, plastic or metal panel and provided, if appropriate, with a decorative layer.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the microperforated sheets for the first and second outer panels 30, 32 take the form of a thin metal sheet, preferably steel sheet, having a thickness b of approximately 1 mm, for example. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the holes in the microperforated sheet are formed and arranged in the standard 1.1/2 ratio. In other words, the holes each have a diameter d of approximately 1.1 mm and, with a mutually offset arrangement (as opposed to a uniformly square arrangement), a spacing w in the longitudinal direction and diagonal direction of the outer panel 30, 32 of approximately 2 mm. However, the present invention is of course not limited to microperforated sheets with the numerical values stated by way of example for the first and the second outer panels 30, 32.

By virtue of its perforation, the microperforated sheet makes it possible on the one hand for sound waves to penetrate into the interior of the partition body 18 of the partition element 10 according to the invention and on the other hand offers an attractive design, with the result that it is possible to dispense with additional decorative layers on the outer sides of the two outer panels 30, 32 formed as microperforated sheets. In some instances, microperforated sheets can also be found in outer walls of modern office furniture, resulting in this case in a uniform appearance of the components in the open-plan office.

An acoustically active fleece is preferably used for the first and the second fleece 34, 36, with the result that the sound waves can penetrate into the interior of the partition body 18 between the two outer panels 30, 32 so as to be reflected back and forth between the outer panels 30, 32 each coated with the fleece 34, 36 and so as to lose their energy in the process. This construction is particularly effective for the sound absorption of higher frequencies in the range from approximately 1000 to 2000 Hz, for example.

The sound absorption device 38 arranged in the interior of the partition body 18 between the first and the second outer panel 30, 32 serves not only to absorb sound waves of lower frequencies of approximately 500 Hz, for example, but at the same time as a support for the two outer panels 30, 32. To improve the stability and rigidity of the overall construction, the central sound absorption element 38 is likewise adhesively bonded to the two outer panels 30, 32 or to the two fleeces 34, 36.

According to the present invention, various embodiments are conceivable for the sound absorption device 38 of the partition body 18, of which some will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9. Identical or similar components are each provided with the same reference numbers and will not be explained again for each exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a partition body 18 with a sound absorption device 38 which is arranged between the first and the second outer panel 34, 36, which are each adhesively bonded to an acoustic fleece 34, 36, and is composed of two sound absorption elements 40, 42. The sound absorption elements 40, 42 are arranged behind one another in the direction of thickness (top/bottom direction in FIG. 5) of the partition body 18, wherein a cavity 46 is formed between the two sound absorption elements 40, 42 with the aid of a spacer element 44. The spacer element 44 is designed, for example, in the manner of a frame and produced, for example, from metal, wood and/or plastic. The two sound absorption elements 40, 42 are preferably adhesively bonded to the spacer element 44 and the overall sound absorption device 38 is adhesively bonded via the fleeces 34, 36 to the two outer panels 30, 32, thus resulting in a stable assembly.

Instead of the one frame-like spacer element 44, it is of course also possible to use a plurality of strip-like, block-like or otherwise shaped spacer elements.

FIG. 6 depicts a partition body 18 with a sound absorption device 38 which is formed from a single sound absorption element 48 and an adjoining cavity 46. As in the first exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5, the cavity 46 is formed by a spacer element 44.

The third exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7 differs from the first exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5 in that the sound absorption device 38 has a bulkhead element 50 in the cavity 46 between the two sound absorption elements 40, 42. This bulkhead element 50 is designed as a corrugated bulkhead element and produced, for example, from metal (aluminum, steel), plastic and/or glass. It is intended to reduce the transmission of sound through the partition body 18.

In the case of the fourth exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8, the bulkhead element 52 in the cavity 46 between the two sound absorption elements 40, 42 is designed as an angled bulkhead element. In this case, the edge profile of the bulkhead element 52 can be designed, for example, to be rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular or similarly shaped.

In the third and fourth exemplary embodiments, the at least one spacer element 44 can optionally be dispensed with, since the bulkhead element 50 or 52 keeps the two sound absorption elements 40, 42 spaced apart.

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of a sound absorption device 38 according to the invention. Here, the cavity 46 between the two sound absorption elements 40, 42 is formed by two spacer elements 54, 56 arranged behind one another in the direction of thickness of the partition body 18. The spacer elements 54, 56 can be designed in the manner of a frame analogously to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5.

Between the two spacer elements 54, 56 is held a bulkhead element 58 which is intended to reduce the transmission of sound through the partition body 18. In the example of FIG. 9, the bulkhead element 58 is designed as a substantially flat bulkhead element. However, it is optionally also possible for corrugated and/or angled bulkhead elements to be used in this embodiment.

Whereas the structure of the sound absorption device 38 in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 5, 7, 8 and 9 is in each case designed to be substantially symmetrical in the direction of thickness of the partition body 18 (top/bottom direction in the figures), the sound absorption device 38 of FIG. 6 has an asymmetrical structure in the direction of thickness of the partition body 18. A symmetrical structure offers the advantage that the partition body 18 has substantially the same acoustic properties from both sides. However, depending on the particular application, it may also be desirable to have different acoustic properties on both sides of the partition body 18. In that case it is also possible to provide an asymmetric design for the embodiments of FIGS. 5, 7, 8 and 9 by giving the two sound absorption elements 40, 42 different thicknesses, for example.

Furthermore, it is also possible to transfer the third to fifth exemplary embodiments to the partition body 18 represented in FIG. 6. In other words, a bulkhead element 50, 52, 58 can also be introduced into the cavity 46 of the sound absorption device 38.

It is further also conceivable to arrange a plurality of bulkhead elements 50, 52, 58 behind one another in the direction of thickness of the partition body 18 in the one cavity 46 of the sound absorption device 38.

The sound absorption elements 40, 42, 48 of the above-explained partition bodies 18 are each preferably made from a material which is selected from mineral foam, mineral fibers, nonwoven fabric, cardboard, foam, felt and the like. In one embodiment of the invention, the sound absorption elements 40, 42 and 48 can be formed from a cartonboard having a honeycomb grid structure or a corrugated shape. To increase the sound absorption effect, the cavities of this cartonboard can additionally be interconnected in the main direction of extent of the partition body 18. In another variant, the material of the sound absorption elements 40, 42, 48 of the partition body 18 is a melamine resin foam or a polyester wadding. However, a person skilled in the art of acoustics will immediately recognize yet further materials and/or combinations of materials for the sound absorption elements.

The overall thickness of the partition body 18 of the partition element 10 according to the invention is, for example, in the range from approximately 15 to 75 mm and the overall thickness of the sound absorption device 38 is, for example, in the range from approximately 10 to 50 mm, without the invention being intended to be limited to these numerical values.

While a partition body 18 having only one sound absorption device 38 between the two outer panels 30, 32 has been used in each of the above exemplary embodiments of the partition element 10, it is of course also possible within the scope of the present invention for a plurality of sound absorption devices 38 with identical or different materials and constructions to be arranged behind one another and/or next to one another between the first and the second outer panels 30, 32.

Furthermore, in the above exemplary embodiments, the two outer panels 30, 32 of the partition body 18 of the partition element 10 according to the invention were designed in the form of a microperforated sheet and coated on their inner side with a fleece 34, 36 in order to obtain a sound absorption effect on both sides of the partition element 10. However, it is also possible within the scope of the present invention for only the first outer panel 30 to be designed as a microperforated sheet and to be coated on its inner side with the first fleece 34 and to use any other desired panel element for the second outer panel 32.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   10 Partition element -   12 Vertical clamping rails -   14 Upper cover profile -   16 Lower cover profile -   18 Partition body -   20 Stand device -   22 Desk -   24 Desktop -   26 Stand legs -   28 Shelf -   30 First outer panel -   32 Second outer panel -   34 First fleece -   36 Second fleece -   38 Sound absorption device -   40 First sound absorption element -   42 Second sound absorption element -   44 Spacer element -   46 Cavity -   48 Sound absorption element -   50 Corrugated bulkhead element -   52 Angled bulkhead element -   54 First spacer element -   56 Second spacer element -   58 Flat bulkhead element 

1-16. (canceled)
 17. A partition element, comprising: at least one partition body having a thickness extending in a first direction; a frame construction for accommodating and holding said at least one partition body; said at least one partition body having a first outer panel in the form of a microperforated sheet, a first fleece, a sound absorption device, and a second outer panel being arranged behind one another in an order as set forth hereinabove in the first direction of thickness; and said sound absorption device including at least one sound absorption element having a certain dimension in the first direction of thickness, and at least one cavity having a certain dimension in the first direction of thickness.
 18. The partition element according to claim 17, wherein said sound absorption device comprises two sound absorption elements spaced apart in the first direction of thickness to form said at least one cavity.
 19. The partition element according to claim 17, wherein said sound absorption device comprises a sound absorption element spaced apart from said second outer panel in the first direction of thickness of the partition body to form said at least one cavity.
 20. The partition element according to claim 17, wherein said sound absorption device includes at least one spacer element to form said at least one cavity.
 21. The partition element according to claim 17, further including at least one bulkhead element disposed in said at least one cavity to reduce the transmission of sound through said sound absorption device.
 22. The partition element according to claim 21, wherein said at least one bulkhead element is selected from one of a substantially flat bulkhead element, a corrugated bulkhead element, or an angled bulkhead element.
 23. The partition element according to claim 17, wherein said sound absorption device has a substantially symmetrical structure in the first direction of thickness.
 24. The partition element according to claim 17, wherein said first fleece is adhesively bonded to said first outer panel.
 25. The partition element according to claim 17, wherein said second outer panel is a microperforated sheet, and further comprising a second fleece arranged between said sound absorption device and said second outer panel.
 26. The partition element according to claim 25, wherein said second fleece is adhesively bonded to said second outer panel.
 27. The partition element according to claim 17, wherein said at least one sound absorption element is selected from mineral foam, mineral fibers, nonwoven fabric, cardboard, foam, felt, melamine resin foam, or polyester wadding.
 28. The partition element according to claim 17, wherein said at least one sound absorption element is a cartonboard having a honeycomb grid configuration.
 29. The partition element according to claim 17, wherein said at least one sound absorption element is a cartonboard having a corrugated configuration.
 30. The partition element according to claim 28, wherein said cartonboard has cavities which are at least partially interconnected.
 31. The partition element according to claim 17, wherein said partition element further comprises a stand device for supporting said partition body.
 32. The partition element according to claim 17, wherein said partition element further comprises a fastening device for mounting said partition element to a furniture item.
 33. A partition element comprising: at least one partition body having a thickness in a first direction; a frame construction for accommodating and holding said at least one partition body; said partition body having a first outer panel in the form of a microperforated sheet, a first fleece, a sound absorption device, and a second outer panel, being arranged behind one another in the order set forth hereinabove in the first direction of thickness; said sound absorption device including at least one sound absorption element having a certain dimension in the first direction, and at least one cavity having a certain dimension in the first direction of thickness; and at least one bulkhead element being disposed in said at least one cavity for reducing the transmission of sound through said sound absorption device. 